Sports
Lesotho vs. Nigeria: 18 Super Eagles undergo first training in Polokwane
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In a demonstration of seriousness attached to Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, an impressive 18 players yesterday underwent Super Eagles’ first training in Polokwane, South Africa.
In the mix under Coach Eric Sekou Chelle and his assistants, were the team’s leaders including captain
Wilfred Troost Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi , Moses Simon , Victor Osimhen and African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman.
There was the also the full contingent from England-based stars including the Fulham’s trio of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze as well as Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare and defender Semi Ajayi.
The three invited goalkeepers including South Africa-based Stanley Nwabali as well as Tanzania –based Amas Obasogie and Greece-based Adebayo Adeleye were also at the team’s first session in the Limpopo province of South Africa. They were complemented by the quartet of Chrisantus Uche, Bruno Onyemaechi , Benjamin Fredrick and Terem Moffi who’s making a return to the fold after a long injury-enforced absence.
The 18 players that trained yesterday in Polokwane represented over 75 per cent of the players invited for the upcoming double header against Lesotho and Benin as the Super Eagles intensify their training sessions for the two must-win encounters in this October International window starting with Friday’s away match to Lesotho and next Tuesday’s match in Uyo against The Cheetahs of Benin.
Though there was no official statement, the late arrivals of the remaining five players including
Akor Adams (Sevilla), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen) , Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City) and Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution), might not be unconnected with delay in procuring an entry visas to South Africa as widely reported on Monday.
A top official of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) had hinted on Monday that just three players were in dire straits as per getting entry visas into the former apartheid enclave.
But it remains to be seen when these players will join the camp as the build up to Friday’s showdown at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane gathers steam.
SUPER EAGLES’ ALREADY IN POLOKWANE :
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Benjamin Fredrick (Dender, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Chrisantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium), Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France).
PLAYERS YET TO ARRIVE IN POLOKWANE:
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno , Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA),Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).
Sports
Anthony Joshua knocks out Kristian Prenga after initial scare
Anthony Joshua remains on course for a showdown with British heavyweight rival Tyson Fury later this year after recovering from being knocked down inside 20 seconds to secure a second-round knockout of Kristian Prenga in a wild clash in Jeddah.
Joshua endured a dismal first three minutes, hitting the canvas twice, firstly from a vicious uppercut, with the Albanian knockout specialist eyeing a seismic shock.
However, Prenga was demolished shortly after by right hands in AJ’s first outing since he was a passenger in a car crash last December that killed close friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
Sports
Arsenal in surprise drive for Vinícius Jr. amid Real Madrid contract uncertainty
Arsenal are reportedly considering the possibility of signing Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Júnior in what could become one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.
According to respected transfer journalist David Ornstein, the Gunners have internally approved the idea of pursuing the Brazilian winger if he fails to agree a new contract with the Spanish giants.
While there have been no club-to-club negotiations at this stage, the interest is said to have the backing of Arsenal’s hierarchy, with the North London club closely monitoring the player’s contract situation.
Vinícius has entered the final 12 months of his current deal at Real Madrid, raising questions about his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabéu. Madrid are keen to avoid losing one of their biggest stars on a free transfer and are also mindful of a substantial loyalty bonus that would become due if he remains at the club into next season.
Despite the growing speculation, the move remains in its early stages, with no formal talks having taken place between the clubs. However, Ornstein reports that Vinícius is among Arsenal’s primary transfer targets should an opportunity arise.
The Brazilian international has established himself as one of the world’s top attacking players since joining Real Madrid, playing a key role in the club’s domestic and European successes. Any potential deal would likely require a significant transfer fee and a major financial commitment from Arsenal.
For now, Arsenal are keeping a close watch on developments, with Vinícius’ contract negotiations expected to determine whether the Premier League side can turn their ambitious interest into a formal pursuit.
Sports
Just in: 23m support petition to ban Argentina from World Cup as FIFA pushes back
An online petition calling for Argentina to be banned from the FIFA World Cup has attracted more than 23 million signatures from football fans across the globe, following the conclusion of the 2026 tournament.
According to talkSPORT, the petition, titled “Argentina Out,” amassed 23,316,108 signatures from supporters in 170 countries in less than a week, making it one of the most widely shared online petitions in history.
Organisers had initially hoped to collect five million signatures, but the campaign quickly surpassed that target as frustration over Argentina’s performances and officiating during the tournament spread among football fans.
The petition accused FIFA and match officials of showing favoritism toward Argentina and captain Lionel Messi throughout the competition, allegations that FIFA has consistently denied.
The petition stated: “Why should the rest of the teams play in the tournament if the winner is known in advance? Exclude Argentina from the World Cup and give everyone a fair chance.” The campaign gained momentum during the World Cup but ultimately failed to achieve its objective.
Argentina’s campaign ended in disappointment after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final. Messi, playing what many believe could be his final World Cup, was seen leaving the pitch in tears following emotional scenes after the final whistle.
The petition was officially closed after the tournament ended, with its website displaying the message: “FIFA ignored us but Spain delivered. Thank you Spain.” Despite the campaign’s widespread support, Argentina faces no disciplinary action and will continue to participate in future FIFA World Cup competitions.
The South American giants are expected to feature in the 2030 tournament, where they are among the nations scheduled to co-host an expanded 64-team competition. Although the petition drew more than 23 million signatures, it narrowly missed becoming the largest online petition ever recorded.
The current Guinness World Record remains with the Jubilee 2000 campaign, an international movement that called for the cancellation of unpayable debts owed by the world’s poorest nations.
Launched in April 1997, the campaign collected 24,319,181 signatures from 166 countries before being presented at the United Nations Millennium Summit in New York in 2000.
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